We did it!

We finished reading the New Testament as a family! HOORAY! The more kids we have, the more difficult it is to read things in a timely manner. But, we can now say that we've read the Book of Mormon twice (English and Spanish), the Doctrine & Covenants, and the New Testament together! Next year, we're going to try to read the Book of Mormon again, but also finish it in one year. Wish us luck!

Pocatello Triathlon

One of Clark's goals before turning 30 was to run a triathlon. And while I still think he was crazy to want to do it, the point is that he DID IT! It was a reverse sprint triathlon, which means it was a 5K run, 20K bike ride and 500 yd swim.

 

 The cheering section waiting for Clark to finish biking.

 

Clark at the end of the bike portion.

 Swimming his ten laps!

All the racers had to have their number sharpe'ed onto their arms and legs.

 The registration fee for the race included a voucher for breakfast. As you can see, Clark definitely took advantage of the good food!

Angela Brown in our ward also participated in the triathlon. It turns out both she and Clark placed in their age groups! She was second and he was third. So awesome! Congratulations, Clark!

The Canonball Run 5K

For those of you that think I am the one that participated, you're crazy. ;)

Clark put running a few 5Ks down as one of his new year's resolutions. Unfortunately, he keeps injuring himself during "basketball season" so he didn't get to run last year and, until now, hasn't been able to so far this year (he really wanted to participate in the Rex Lee down in Provo, but it just didn't pan out). So when we moved last week and saw that our stake hosts a race every year, he eagerly signed up.

The course through the park

Members of our stake waiting for the race to begin

Azucena was trying to run away when Clark finally came toward the finish line, so this is the only shot I got of him running, since I was wrestling her with my other arm. 

I am so proud of Clark for accomplishing one of his goals and for getting a better time than set for himself (he wanted to finish in under 30 minutes, and he did!). Good job husband!

Insomnia

When the heck did it get to be 6 am?!

Music Fast

Our ward has been challenged to participate in a musical fast. We kicked it off tonight with a fireside this evening which included both Sacrament meeting appropriate music and some that is perhaps a little more off-the-wall but still Spirit-bringing. My favorites of the evening involved our second counselor playing "Follow the Prophet" on his tenor saxophone and my roommate Becca playing a piano solo. Beautiful stuff. Anyway, back to the challenge: for the next two weeks, listen to Sunday-appropriate music (so, not necessarily just the hymns, but a variety of other music, like what we heard tonight) and, at the end of the two weeks, re-evaluate the music we listen to and perhaps make some changes in our life.

Some of the music I'll be keeping in my arsenal for the next two weeks:

• Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time orchestral recordings
• Soundtracks (like LotR, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Pride & Prejudice, Fantasia 2000, etc.)
• Mormon Tabernacle Choir recordings
  
• Inside Out (great a capella group)
  
• Michael Bublé
• Josh Groban
• some of my band recordings
• Copland (oh, bless his heart)
  
• Seminary soundtracks
• a lot of classical music (like Holst, Robert W. Smith)
• Jenny Oaks Baker
• the 5 Browns
• Paul Cardall
• Michael Dowdle
• some Broadway (especially what the MoTab has recorded and Disney stuff)
  

Welcome, 2010!

I can't believe it's the beginning of a new year, let alone a new decade. I mean, I remember when everyone was worried that the year 2000 would bring about Y2K issues and that the world would end.

Here's to a beautiful year, one that will be filled with happy memories, lots of personal progress and heaps of joy. Happy new year!

Many eons ago . . .

Last night I finally finished the book of Genesis. It was something that my roommate and I had been working on a couple of days every couple of weeks--when we had finished our reading for other classes--and we realized that, if we read four chapters last night, we could finish the book.

I must say that I'm kind of ridiculously excited about reading the Old Testament. We're both learning a lot of stuff and I'd forgotten how much story happens in Genesis alone. And tonight will be Exodus!

Elder Judd

How is it that every time it totally counts to send letters to my missionary brother I completely space it?! *facepalm*

I'm a horrible sister. Arg.

Motivation

I just think it's kind of humorous that every time I decide I really will start taking walks/going on hikes/jogging/something outdoorsy to get me in shape, it snows. Every. Time.

Does the world want me to stay the same shape I am?

Serving (again!)

Today was a busy, busy day because not only was there a ward service project and a ward Thanksgiving dinner. The service project was really fun because we got to write notes and letters to missionaries and servicemen from our ward. I was surprised at how many of the names I recognized and how little I had thought of them in the last years (or so). Hopefully I'll do better at remembering those who are out sacrificing and serving for our country and our Lord.